April 1, 2025
Harrison Prize 2025 Launched
Young learners on Wearside have been given the opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills in this year’s ‘dragon’s-den’ style Harrison Prize.
Launched this month and now in its seventh year, the Harrison Prize recognises and rewards 16-year-old learners at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility who demonstrate exceptional creativity and ingenuity in their employability studies.
Daniel Harrison, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, visited the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, based at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light, to speak with the learners and get the 2025 Harrison Prize underway.
Established in 2018 in partnership with Sunderland’s Foundation of Light, the Harrison Centre has been instrumental in providing tuition and training to hundreds of young people across Wearside and County Durham, helping them build confidence, acquire qualifications and secure employment opportunities.
During the launch event, Daniel Harrison spoke with the students, emphasising the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges. He shared practical advice on completing the Harrison Prize and as a former CEO of one of the UK’s largest financial services firms, he also gave his top tips on the skills and attitudes that employers are looking for.
Daniel said: “When you have the opportunity to get into a job, take it with both hands, stick at it, and learn as much as you can on the job.”
The Harrison Prize aligns with the Foundation’s mission to create opportunities for the next generation who may not have had access to them in traditional settings. By recognising learners who exhibit creativity and ingenuity, the award inspires others to strive for success.
The Beacon of Light serves as a vibrant community hub offering sports, education, and events for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Beacon’s ongoing collaboration with the Harrison Foundation ensures that young people in Sunderland continue to receive the support they need to thrive in their future careers.